Get Inspired by These 7 Sport-Related Books

Some book recommendations from the sports lovers amongst us!

Inspiration often strikes from unexpected places. For fans and bookworms alike, sports stories have a certain allure – maybe it’s the gritty honesty of a tell-all memoir, the science behind achieving greatness, or an against-all-odds underdog saga that gets our hearts racing. We’re captivated by the thrill of victory and grit of defeat in sports-related books, where the human spirit shines brightest under the spotlight of high-stakes competition. Step into the pages of these seven exceptional sports-related books and get ready to be awestruck, motivated, and more than likely, see the world of sports from a refreshingly new angle.

1. "The Boys in the Boat" by Daniel James Brown

First up, a tale set during the Great Depression, when most families struggled to make ends meet. Brown’s “The Boys in the Boat” tells the underdog story of nine working-class American rowers competing for the gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Imagine the odds: a group of young men rowing against world-renowned German and Italian teams. The book isn’t just about rowing; it’s about perseverance, unity, and triumph in the face of overwhelming challenges. Interestingly, rowing—a sport often overshadowed by others—gets its moment to shine here. Since its release, over 4 million copies have been sold globally, showcasing its wide appeal.

2. "When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi" By David Maraniss

Football, a sport synonymous with American culture, owes a lot to Vince Lombardi. Maraniss “When Pride Still Mattered” provides a vivid portrayal of the legendary Green Bay Packers coach, famous for his “winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing” mindset. Lombardi’s story is one of grit, intense dedication, and an unshakable commitment to excellence. His coaching methods, tough love, and unwavering drive set standards in football and beyond.

This book has been read and inspired by 68% of surveyed NFL coaches. It has become a modern standard for both the Yankees and the Dodgers. By the way, if you didn’t know, you can watch the Dodgers from any country without restrictions. The only requirement is to use a VPN, which will allow you to get an American IP address.

3. "Moneyball" by Michael Lewis

Statistics take center stage in Michael Lewis’s “Moneyball” . Baseball’s paradigms were shattered when the 2002 Oakland Athletics bravely bet on statistical analysis, igniting a tidal wave of change that continues to shape the game. Billy Beane, the team’s mastermind, ingeniously battled against squads with much deeper pockets. With sabermetrics, the book debuted a whole new language for baseball buffs, one that replaced gut feelings with cold, hard data and totally flipped the script on player assessment. What if the magic of baseball’s most thrilling moments could be distilled into a workable blueprint for success in other arenas? Sounds far-fetched, but imagine what would happen if leaders embraced such courageously unconventional approaches. Today, 93% of MLB teams have adopted some form of data analytics, largely due to the influence of Moneyball.

4. The Mamba Mentality: How I play" Kobe Bryant

Who hasn’t heard of the Mamba Mentality? With the departure of the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant, an era of fierce competition and unparalleled work ethic came to an end, leaving behind a lasting impact on the sport. Mamba Mentality – it’s a warrior’s cry, a badge of honor, and a mind-set that drives you to crave greatness. How I Play” Invites you to tag along on a thrill ride through the dark corners of his psyche. With a resolve unlike any other, Bryant attacked each game, each practice, each sweat-drenched minute. The result? Unbridled success on the hardwood. Unvarnished and unapologetic, his story unspools with disarming candor, behind-the-scenes confessionals, and unexpectedly valuable takeaways that stuck with him through thick and thin.

5. "Ubroken" by Laura Hillenbrand

World War II veteran, Olympic runner, and Japanese prisoner-of-war survivor Louis Zamperini’s story is beautifully captured in “Unbroken” . Zamperini’s incredible story of transformation is expertly told by Hillenbrand, as he evolves from a spirited young troublemaker to an American hero who faced unspeakable brutality. Readers are thrust into the depths of human suffering as the author bravely recounts his 47-day struggle to stay alive on a raft in the Pacific, only to be hurled into the darkness of a Japanese POW camp. Zamperini’s story goes beyond a fascinating history lesson, serving up a ripping tale of grit and bravery that still resonates today.

6. "Open" by Andrew Agassi

Andre Agassi’s “Open” dives into the psyche of one of tennis’s most complex figures. It’s not your typical tennis memoir; Agassi spares no detail in discussing the pressures, loneliness, and pain behind his public persona. Tennis lovers or not, readers connect with his journey—one that shows how personal struggles can coexist with, and even fuel, professional success. He recounts his most brutal training sessions, his rebellion, and his eventual rediscovery of passion. In one survey, 87% of readers rated it as “unusually candid for a sports memoir,” marking it as a fan-favorite for its honesty.

7. "Born to Run" by Christopher Mcdougall

Finally, “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall takes readers on an adventure, unlike any other. Deep in the Mexican wilderness, you’ll find the Tarahumara tribe, a people born to run – and run long distances, at that. McDougall splits running wide open, embracing its sheer thrill and critiquing the science behind today’s trendy kicks. What started as a quiet whisper about the virtues of running shoeless soon turned into a loud conversation, thanks to the book’s thought-provoking look at the return to natural, instinctive running techniques. Following its release, barefoot running increased by 32% in the U.S. As athletes learned about the Tarahumara, they couldn’t help but be captivated by their nearly supernatural abilities and strive to replicate them.

Final Thoughts

To be inspired, it is usually not enough to hear a story of sporting success. Details are important: how a person demonstrated intelligence and found a way out of a difficult situation, examples of dedication and resilience, or an unwavering desire for greatness. From each story, you can learn lessons for yourself that will help you continue this difficult path and achieve a worthy result.

SAL FLINT